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Does Newman pass the 'humility, grace, dignity' test?

The LNP government was tarnished by the sacking of Campbell Newman’s "handpicked" transport department Director-General, Michael Caltabiano (left) and the forced resignation of Ros Bates over a controversy surrounding meetings with lobbyists. Photo: Robert Rough and Harrison Saragossi

Humility, grace and dignity.

They are the three characteristics Queensland Premier Campbell Newman vowed would define his government when it came to power a year ago.

But it’s a promise that’s been regularly tested since the Liberal National Party claimed 78 of the 89 seats in the parliament.

Public servants protest outside Parliament House in July 2012. Photo: Natalie Bochenski

Critics, including unions, criticised the way the Newman government cut the public service, shedding 14,000 jobs for the sake of the budget.

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Mr Newman has also been criticised for standing by two of his ministers, Bruce Flegg and Ros Bates, who were later forced to quit over controversies surrounding meetings with lobbyists.

The government was also tarnished by the sacking of Mr Newman’s ‘‘handpicked’’ transport department Director-General, Michael Caltabiano, which is yet to be explained.

The state’s corruption watchdog has launched an investigation in to the appointment of Ms Bates’ son to a high-paid job in Mr Caltabiano’s department.

This month, the member for Redcliffe Scott Driscoll has been forced to defend himself against allegations of wrong doing including claims he’s misused taxpayers’ money to run a retail lobby group from his electorate office.

Mr Driscoll took to parliament to state he had done nothing wrong and the government has defended him from attacks while the relevant authorities look into the matters.

Australian Catholic University Professor Scott Prasser described the Newman government’s first year as chaotic.

He says problems stem from an air of arrogance almost expected from an overwhelming government majority, he said was compounded with the way Mr Newman led; as if he were Lord Mayor and the state government was similar to the way council operated.

‘‘There’s a Sun King complex,’’ Prof Prasser said.

‘‘In Queensland, the sunshine state, everything revolves around the premier and you can’t run a government like that.’’

But Prof Prasser, like many other political pundits, was also quick to praise Mr Newman and his government for its successes, including the inquiry into the health payroll debacle.

The political analyst said the government’s real test will come in the next 12 months, when it will no longer be able to blame teething problems.

Premier Campbell Newman said it’s been a painful experience to shed so many public service jobs, but he was left with no choice after years of financial mismanagement by Labor.

And he said he’s kept his word to Queenslanders who voted for him by cutting red tape, lowering the cost of living, boosting the economy and moving to fix the state’s finances.

‘‘As the second year of the government begins, Queenslanders can be assured that the government will continue working hard to ensure they have access to the great jobs, great lifestyle and great services that they deserve,’’ Mr Newman said.

25 comments so far

Those three words, Humility, Grace and Dignity.. Did Noddy Campbell say them? If he did, let us examine them.Humility Test:- FAILEDGrace Test :- FAILEDDignity Test:- FAILEDHumility is a quality which is sadly lacking from politicians generally.Newman's demeanour is totally at odds with that quality Humility.He is not humble, he does not lead, he has displayed every quality more appropriate to a Dictator.

Grace is a quality which is also sadly lacking from politicians these days, and we all can recall times past, when we actually did have respect and high regard for Prime Ministers and Governors General who indeed did possess the aura of Grace. But not this one.

Dignity is also one of those ideals which most politicians do not measure up to. Newman will never acquire this quality. Humility, Grace and Dignity are generally qualities one is born with, whilst others can aspire to perhaps learn what they mean, Newman is too much of the Sergeant Major, or Lord Mayor.

To sum it up, Can't Do Noomin is simply a Boy involved in a Man's Job... He is simply out of his depth, and will probably remain so.

Commenter

WHITE CLOUD

Location

BRISBANE

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 11:26AM

Dear White Cloud, your last paragraph has completely nullified your whole comment. It has shown you for exactly what you are; a Labor supporter and/or a Newman hater. Your comment can no longer be taken in any unbiased way.

Commenter

Tom

Location

Qld

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 1:13PM

Tom, *your* bias is certainly on display. Everyone who criticises automatically must be a rusted on Labor supporter ? Why not consider and respond to the substance of White Cloud's comment ? There is a lot of disappointment and even bitterness that the LNP government didn't follow the high ideals they promised during the elect. Lift your eyes from the LNP hymn sheet and you'll see that not everyone that has twisted Newman's name is a card carrying member. I'm certainly not.

Commenter

bookish

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 7:32PM

Tom, have you heard of the pot calling the kettle black? You criticise White Cloud for being a Labor supporter and therefore "biased" then show yourself up as a Labor hater in your response to Red. Settle down, everyone is entitled to their comment, biased or not.

Commenter

Rachel J

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 8:27PM

If Newman continues to run the state the way he ran the Brisbane City Council we'll all be paying for his expensive mistakes for many years to come.

The corruption already evident speaks of a massive arrogance in line with the Bjelke-Petersen years.

Commenter

Red

Location

Wynnum

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 11:43AM

Dear Red, please detail this "corruption" you are talking about. In fact, please report it to the CMC, along with your proof. I don't suppose you have ever criticised the "corruption" entrenched in the previous ALP government, or the "corruption" evident in the current federal government. No, didn't think so, and I can guess why.

Commenter

Tom

Location

Qld

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 1:17PM

This article is a fit up. Mr Newman has never shown the attributes of humility, grace or dignity.One thing I have noticed also is that he doesn't really care. With Cam its all about numbers, and getting somebody else to work those out for him.

Commenter

homemate

Location

Gold Coast

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 12:13PM

Please!, the last politician who had any of these qualities was... ...Um......Give me a minute......I'm sure there was one......

Commenter

TonyInTsv

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 12:28PM

As an aged pensioner caring for a disabled wife reliant on handouts from the government, Campbell Newman has managed to halve my quality of life. No more needed in home physio and nursing. A measly 15% in yearly rebates. Public hospital nursing staff cut to non-emergency levels. Working professionals forced into admin jobs to keep their employment. A not for profit state government trying to make a profit (read surplus) by trying to channel Federal health funds into general revenue and causing a blockage. Humility, Grace, and Dignity does not mean penalising the poor and disabled for arbitary accounting brownie points. Can't someone in the LNP organise a spill and rid the state of this self centred martinet.

Commenter

Aged P

Location

Victoria Point

Date and time

March 24, 2013, 1:01PM

In response to the lead question. The resounding answer is FAIL, FAIL AND FAIL. He is a bully and a liar and many ordinary people are paying the price. I am thoroughly sick and tired of the blaming of everybody else. He is supposed to be in charge but doesn't act like it or take responsibility for his actions.